Schools, churches and nonprofit organizations are invited to participate in the annual Christmas Cards on the Lawn at the Hernando County Government Center, 20 N Main St. The display will be Dec. 10-31 on the courthouse lawn.

Supplies needed include a 4-by-8-foot sheet of plywood with two braces to be anchored with a rebar; at least one spotlight, but no more than two; a 24-hour timer (just in case), a short extension cord or power strip to connect lights and timer; and a 50-foot extension cord to connect the card unit to the power supply. All supplies should be labeled as to not be mistaken for county property.

The annual event is provided by Hernando County Recreation Department in cooperation with Brooksville Kiwanis.

Advanced registration is required. For information or a registration form, call Christie Williams at (352) 754-4031.

SPRING HILL

Sample chili,shop for gifts

The Springstead High School Eagle Brigade will host its second annual Chili Cook-Off and Vendor Fundraising Event from 3 to 7 p.m. Dec. 13 at the school, 3300 Mariner Blvd.

The event will include chili made by band parents, which will be available in the cafeteria, along with all the fixings.

Visitors can also do their holiday shopping with vendors such as Partylite, Avon, Pampered Chef, Tupperware, the Purse Lady, Rainbow Vacuums, Tastefully Simple, Premier Jewelry, Arbonne and others. Gift wrapping is available for donations.

The event is a fundraiser to help pay for transportation for the Marching Eagle Brigade, which placed fourth in the 3A division at the Florida Marching Band Coalition's state competition last month.

For information, call Christine at (352) 397-7472 or Jennifer at (352) 346-4556.

COUNTYWIDE

Apply to fill slot on Port Authority Board

The Hernando County Commission is accepting applications from individuals interested in filling an unexpired term on the Hernando County Port Authority Board through Dec. 31, 2010. This is a volunteer position.

The purpose of the authority is to oversee maintenance of the county's waterways for both recreational and commercial activities.

Applications are available in the county administrator's office, Room 460, Hernando County Government Center, 20 N Main St., Brooksville.

Completed applications must be returned no later than 5 p.m. Dec. 22.

To be considered, applicants must be Hernando County residents and registered voters.

For information, call (352) 754-4002.

SPRING HILL

Picture your petwith Santa Paws

The Humane Society of the Nature Coast has announced Santa Paws will be available for photos with pets from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Petco, 7223 Coastal Blvd.

Pets as well as children and adults can have their photos taken with Santa. The photos will be printed on site. The cost is $8.95 plus tax, which includes the picture and a holiday frame, while supplies last. Each photo sale will include a $5 donation to the local Humane Society.

For information, call (352) 796-2711.

SPRING HILL

Dine and dance toBig Band sounds

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10209 invites the public to a Christmas Big Band Dinner Dance with the Frankie Dee New York Orchestra from 2 to 5 p.m. Dec. 21 at the post, 14736 Edward R. Noll Drive.

Visitors can dance to Big Band sounds, as well as Frank Sinatra, polkas, waltzes, Latin, cheek-to-cheek, jazz, ballroom and doo- wop.

The cost is $16 for dinner and dancing or $10 for dancing only. Dinner will be available starting at 1 p.m. Door prizes will be awarded.

Reservations are suggested. To RSVP, call Mary at (352) 596-9486. Call the post at (352) 796-0398.

Table sponsors are $50. Also, items or gift certificates for the auction and raffle are needed.

The event will begin with a social hour at 5 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m., followed by entertainment by Arc customers. Tickets to the event are $10 each.

For details, call Nancy at (352) 544-2322, ext. 109.

OCALA

Learn about adoption, kids needing homes

Those interested in adoption are invited to an adoption orientation with the Children's Home Society of Florida at 6 p.m. Dec. 15 at 11 N Magnolia Ave.

Case managers will be on hand to speak about the group's adoption services and children needing families.

Founded in 1902 and based in Winter Park, the nationally accredited society is one of the largest and oldest statewide private providers of social services. For information, call (352) 334-0955.

COUNTYWIDE

Drop off suppliesfor homeless pets

Angels for Humanity, a group of local residents who have partnered with the Humane Society of the Nature Coast to reach out to homeless pets in the community, have set up holiday donation boxes at drop-off stations throughout the county.

A wish list of supplies needed for the animals is posted at each location. Needed items include dog and cat food, cat litter, bleach, paper towels, antibacterial dish soap, blankets, towels, sheets and rubber gloves. Monetary donations are also accepted, with checks made out to the Humane Society.